Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Kayla’s POV

The soft brush of paint in the canvas caught my attention in contrast to what the art is showing, the strong waves painted with softness but it was anything but.

Waves met the shore beautifully along with the golden sunset. It was almost the same that night however waves weren’t soft and the sky was in total darkness.

Waves of strong current can crash your body to the point of paralysis. The golden scenery only last for a moment before the darkness meet the ocean and together you create a beautiful danger.  

It bought back memories that I tried to put behind but it also revealed battle scars no one can take.

“Predictable aren’t you?”

I faced her. Her eyes focused on the painting while my brows raised at her sudden friendliness. This is unlike Alison so I’m assuming Karen but her up to this.

“I’m not sure though.” I stare at the painting instead of her. People around showing interest to the painting beside us, eavesdropping I’m sure.

“It’s a beautiful painting. It’s as everyone expected to like it. Classic beach painting, I thought you’re more than that.” Alison’s smile could reach the end of the room, but I refuse to give her the satisfaction of winning.

“Every painting has its beauty, but every person has different interpretations in every scenario,” I saw Rowan entering the hall, his eyes immediately found mine. While Alison was oblivious. “Just like you right now, you’re here beside me when just months ago you were dying to get me out of Rowan’s side.” I utter loud enough for people close to hear.

Her jaw clench at my sudden remark. “I’m his rightful fiancé, he will marry me.” Her teeth gritted as she convince me… and herself.

“Really?” My eyes lazy with a tugging smirk on my lips. “You seem to be convincing yourself, Mykayla.” The name left bitterly to my mouth.

“I used to admire you, Kayla.” She stepped closer, her voice lower this time. “you pulled yourself out of the mud, built a name for yourself, and you think no one can take that from you is absurd. This? The way you’re acting right now? You’re severely compromising your entire career just for a man.” Her shoulder shudder, lips shaking, and eyes fixated on me.

“I can worry about my own career.” I had anticipated that long for her to tell me. No matter the love for my career, nothing will stop my revenge. “Thank you for your concern though.” Every word left my mouth roughly.

“Rowan is unpredictable, you should know that yourself especially after witnessing how he tossed me aside the moment you show up.” She chuckled. “I am Jones, if Rowan would not marry me, I can still live along with my family’s reputation… but in your case? I doubt that.”

Her words sting like a group of wasp attacking one person out of resentment. But I refuse to let her win. Not when she’s wearing my name so proudly with no remorse.

“Your family’s reputation? I doubt you still have one though. Isn’t that why your clinging to the Hermoso, so you could rebuild your family’s tarnished name?”

Over the years that Karen and Alison are managing my family business, they have gone and beyond however boundaries of ethical and unethical were crossed that left people questioning and after rumors of Karen’s CEO position was hanging by a thread, they cling to their only hope… the Hermoso.

Marriage. Alliance. Power.

The Hermoso are powerful but for an unknown reason of agreement they can’t let go Karen and Alison… and I will find out the real reason behind it.

Before she could rebut Rowan appeared on my side. His eyes fixed on me that sent shivers in my spine, I was too busy looking at him to notice the people around but hearing some people gasp at the scene made my smirk wider.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” He whispered, kissing my cheeks.

My heart lurched with the sudden contact of our body that it jolted with electricity making Rowan smirked but his eyes screaming with different emotions I couldn’t fathom.

I almost forgot Alison was there. “Unbelievable.” Her eyes filled with fits rage as she was about to slap my face however Rowan blocked her and whispered something to her. I couldn’t hear but fear was visible to her eyes, and how her body weaken with Rowan’s remark.

“Rowan,” I whispered. “People are watching.” His sudden protection surprised me.

He let her go slowly while Alison whimper and teary-eyed as she stepped aside. Rowan on the other hand, put his arms around my waist as we survey the room together. His warmth eating me, and his touch igniting the fire that’s no business being there.

“You seem bothered.” Rowan’s touch loosen, eyes full of concern, but I replied with a shake on my head.

“I’m not. I won’t let Alison get to me.” His brows arched. Jaw still clenched. He wasn’t fully convinced. “Alison’s words are nothing compared to what people used to tell me back when I was still a nobody.” I chuckled, joking around.

Though Rowan was not convinced he didn’t push through though concern still evident.

As the party progressed Rowan had already made his rounds to the people he knew while I stand next to him with a smile on my face. Alison was still there where Karen had arrived accompanying her shaken daughter.

The music suddenly shifted and the crowd started to from a dance in the middle. My mouth open with awe when Rowan’s hands hang in the air. “May I have this dance?” I couldn’t help but laugh at the silliness. I nodded.

I vowed to remain professional and to put the lingering feelings behind but the way his hands travel to my body sent electricity to spark in every last bit of nerves. His eyes speaking different languages, and I was lost in it to remember what I vowed. His scent filled my nose. If it weren’t for his touch, I would have been laying on the ground right now.

Our rhythm sync along with the music that made me forget about Alison, Karen and revenge. Only Rowan and I existed to the world of chaos but peace when we’re close and together.

“Is this still part with our agreement?” My breath heavy as I whispered.

A smirked tugged on his lips. “What do you think?”